His cap figure for the 2015 season was $4,209,375, so he was clearly a candidate for release given the Chiefs’ current financial situation. If Kansas City is going to franchise OLB Justin Houston and address other free agents and roster needs, more moves will have to be made.

Fasano, 30, still has another two years remaining on his four-year, $16 million contract that base salaries of $2.8 million and $3.6 million in 2015 and 2016.

According to OverTheCap.com, releasing Fasano will free up $1,959,375 in available cap space while creating $2,250,000 in dead money.

In 2014, Fasano caught 25 passes for 226 yards receiving and four touchdowns for the Chiefs over the course of 15 games. Pro Football Focus has Fasano rated as the No. 61 tight end out of 67 qualifying players last season.